Are We Really Talking About Pee and Sweat?

So a few weeks ago, I told you guys about this month’s Add Flavor Challenge I’m working on with Propel. If you remember (I know, I’m so behind on life this month), my challenge was to keep properly hydrated for an entire week, both with workouts and just with my day-to-day life.

When I originally got the results from my Sweat Rate test, I found out my sweat rate was a little on the lighter side. But I also knew that the results I got on that particular day were not typical, so I’d probably consider myself an average sweater (gah, it gets kind of gross talking about how much you sweat, doesn’t it?!).

Keeping that in mind, I figured I’d tackle my week-long challenge with a target of drinking 1-2 more glasses/day than I typically do and making sure I drink a good amount before and after my workouts.

I found that it’s much easier for me to get my daily water/liquid intake during the week than on the weekends. During the week I’m at work and I always have my water bottle right next to me, drinking all day long. On the weekends, I’m usually not sitting still for very long and am usually either chasing after a toddler (ay yi yi, that sounds so weird to say?!) or doing some sort of work around the house. And this was evidenced by the fact that my urine was more like apple juice (cup #1) below, rather than light lemonade (cup #2), which is what it should look like.

While I was on my call a few weeks back with Laura Daray, the scientist and “resident hydration expert” at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, I also learned a fun fact:

Clear urine is a myth. Often times, we hear that our urine should be “clear,” but actually, this would indicate that you’re probably drinking too much, or more than what you’re sweating out.

But enough about the pee talk…let’s keep things movin’.

Another fun fact? Well I’m sure we’ve all heard by now that “coffee is dehydrating.” But according to Laura, the liquid of the gods is actually not dehydrating when consumed in normal amounts!

Technically, anything with fluid is hydrating you, so as long as you’re consuming it in moderate amounts, it totally counts towards your liquid intake for the day. So drink up! Moderately.

So what’s with all the talk about staying properly hydrated? What’s the big deal?!

Well, symptoms of dehydration run the gamut, from grumpiness to cardiovascular strain. It may seem like something that’s really not that big of a deal, but it’s effects can have a major impact on your body and your performance.

Proper hydration and fueling is super important to not only doing your best, but feeling your best. I mean, if you’ve been absolutely miserable during your workouts lately, maybe take a step back and evaluate your hydration strategy. Are you not drinking enough, which is leading to that irritability and making you hate those burpees even more? Or are you just a crazy pants and doing something nutzo like training for a marathon? (<—please, nobody get offended by that, I’m just kidding…sort of.)

So basically, the main takeaway from today’s post? Drink, drink, DRINK! And, of course, to make sure you’re not only staying properly hydrated but also adding back in some of those electrolytes you lost while working out, go ahead and grab yourself a Propel.

The kiwi strawberry is one of my favorites, in case you were curious.

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Propel Prize Pack Giveaway Winner

Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway! Our lucky winner is entry #128:

Congrats, Denisse! Please email me at sweettoothcourtney at gmail dot com so I can get you hooked up with your prize pack!

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And, on that note, I’m off to go grab my water bottle. But before I leave…

I just couldn’t resist. The boy has baby swag after getting his new Mickey shades for his birthday. He kills me.

Have a great Thursday, my friends! We’re in the home stretch now.

Disclaimer: This post is part of my partnership with Propel. All opinions, as always, are my own.

TOO CUTE!! I definitely did not know coffee could count toward a hydration goal when consumer in moderate amounts. I just introduced caffeine back into my life in very very small portions as I’m still breastfeeding. I can’t remember, did you continue to drink coffee while nursing? I don’t want anything to affect my supply but sometimes really want a little something! So I have literally a half cup..Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Summertime at Innsbrook

I want to go on thinking that coffee is dehydrating because when I have it I always make an extra effort to drink water.
Love the picture of Lucas in the shades!Brynn recently posted..Confessions of a Healthy Living Blogger, V

Great information. I know and am constantly teaching people about hydration, but I’m not going to lie its hard to keep up with sometimes! Drinking plain old water gets old so its nice to know my morning cup of joe helps too!Kim @FITsique recently posted..Fit and Healthy Banana Bread

I totally notice a difference in my mood and fitness performance when I am not drinking enough water. I definitely don’t have to be dehydrated to feel it either – just a little less water than normal and my body revolts 😉Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted..Vegas Dress – I need your help!

So my Venti iced coffee is GOOD for me! Yay!
I’m like you. I do great with water at work, but I don’t really think about it on weekends. I’m trying to be better but it’s hard.Beks recently posted..My Life as a Jane Austen Heroine

I can’t believe I’m about to leave a comment about pee, but here we go! I never knew that the color of your pee was a myth. Mindblown!Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie recently posted..Workout Wednesday: PiYo Challenge

As awkward as a topic as it can be to discuss, I’m so glad you posted this! I am NEVER properly hydrated because I am just never thirsty. I can go all day with just a cup of coffee and as a teacher it’s much more convenient to be dehydrated than to be leaving the class every hour to pee. This summer I have been trying so hard to consciously drink water and I have fallen victim to the “clear pee” myth. I would be shocked when I drank the recommended amount and my pee was still a little yellow. Thanks for debunking!Katy recently posted..Farm Share Week 6

He is just the cutest!! And I’m with you on being really good during the week with staying hydrated. Come Monday, I can always tell I haven’t had enough water over the weekend. Darn toddlers Katie@LifesNextBigStep recently posted..Brooke has some news to share…

Now that I’m pregnant, staying properly hydrated is a must, especially since it’s so hot outside. I always have to have a bottle of water with me and I also like to drink coconut water to provide me with some much needed electrolytes.Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat recently posted..Drool Worthy Pins #12

I started drinking Propel when I first got pregnant because it had B6 in there to help with nausea. It was actually making me more dehydrated though because it has a ton of sodium Now I am sticking to Smart Water & Coconut water so I get electrolytes!

Ugh. I use to be so good at staying hydrated. I would drink at least 70 ounces a day, now I think I drink about 30 ounces maybe? I’ve gotta get back to it. 😉 Thanks for the hydration posts. It keeps me motivated.April @ Simply Sweet Living recently posted..Road Trip Highlights

It is so much easier to drink water at work then on the weekends I agree! I try and make an effort to remember to drink water on the weekends but having it sitting there next to you at your desks during the week is just easier!

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[…] Ahhh, water. We sure do have a love/hate relationship, don’t we? It’s funny, too, because I know 100% that when I drink the right amount of water throughout the day, I really do feel amazing (dehydration is the worst). […]